Hello and welcome to the monthly Richard Gill School blog. I can hardly believe this is the 46th blog! This edition includes an update on events during the past month, plus a change in leadership at the school.
Year 3 Violinist’s first live performance
On Wednesday, April 10, our Year 3 students took centre stage for their inaugural live violin performance. After weeks of dedicated small-group lessons with Ms. Ellis, we were blown away by how far they’ve come in a short period of time! Congratulations to both the students and Ms. Ellis for their hard work and commitment.
Year 3 Inaugural Performance, Richard Gill School, April 2024
The Year 3 violin ensemble is a pivotal part of our Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4) String Program, under the guidance of the talented Ms. Ellis. As we transition from the foundational focus on movement and rhythm in the early years to the introduction of instrumental learning in Stage 2, we see the essence of our comprehensive music curriculum at Richard Gill School come to life. It's wonderful to see the children taking on this new challenge with such enthusiasm.
PowerFM Breakfast
On Thursday, April 11, we had the pleasure of hosting the crew from 98.1 Power FM as they broadcasted live from our school premises. Students were excited to take the mic and share insights on weather, traffic updates, and their favourite school experiences. Adding to the excitement, we sang a special medley of Taba Naba/Welcome to Country live on air, accompanied by Ms. Ellis and Mr. English.
Power FM Breakfast, Richard Gill School, April 2024
These radio breakfasts have become a cherished tradition at our school, offering students the chance to enjoy breakfast with friends while parents mingle and chat. It's a wonderful opportunity for community building and an effective way to showcase our school and spotlight our talented students. A heartfelt thank you to Power FM for their ongoing support and for providing us with this fantastic platform.
End of Term Parent Assembly
On Friday, April 12, we gathered for our end-of-term assembly, a time to celebrate achievements and acknowledge outstanding efforts. Congratulations to our swimming age champions and place getters, as well as to our Strength awards (zest) recipients. A special shout-out to Towarri house for their outstanding performance at our swimming carnival, earning them the highest points in 2024 (again!).
Swimming Carnival Awards, Richard Gill School, April 2024
We extend our gratitude to the families who joined us for the assembly and open classrooms, where our students proudly showcased their exceptional work. A big thank you to our dedicated staff for their constant hard work.
ANZAC Day
Anzac Day March, Richard Gill School, April 2024
During the school holidays, on Thursday, April 25, a number of our staff and students participated in the ANZAC Day mid-morning march and service. Zayn and Charlotte delivered poignant readings of their poems, while Nathan and Felix proudly laid our wreath at the cenotaph. The warbird flyovers were exciting for all! Congratulations to all involved for planning and delivering such a meaningful and respectful service.
Enrolment
The school is currently teaching Kindergarten to Year 4 in 2024, and is now taking enrolment enquiries for Kindergarten - Year 5 for 2025.
Enrolment Discount for Kindy 2025: Those families who are offered a position, and accept this prior to July 1, will receive 25% off first-term fees for the following year.
To request an enrolment interview, please contact the school.
Kindy for a Day Program: Not sure about enrolment yet? Why not send your child to “big school” just for one day, so both you and your child could decide if the school is right for you? Taking place May 17. Find out more.
Please visit our enrolment documents page to view our prospectus, enrolment form, parent info, fee information and more.
Media
Building a better brain through music, dance and poetry
Donations
Thank you to David and Amanda Walsh for donating a Korg LP-380 Digital Piano to the school. This will be well used by our students. David also donated much of his time as a previous Board member of the school and we are grateful for your generosity and ongoing support of the school.
A Final Note From Our Foundation Principal, Chris English
Today marks the end of a remarkable chapter in my life. With a mixture of sadness and gratitude, I announce my departure as the Principal of Richard Gill School after 4.5 years of service.
To the staff and Board of Directors, whose dedication and expertise will drive the future growth of the school, I extend my deepest appreciation. Your tireless efforts, unwavering commitment, and boundless passion have been the driving force behind our collective achievements.
To our donors and supporters, thank you for promoting the endless benefits of music education through your support of this special school. Your generosity knows no bounds and the contributions made by philanthropic individuals and groups such as yourselves to the school is deeply appreciated by our families and children, and I encourage everyone to continue their support for the school moving forward.
To our families, whose unwavering trust, support, and partnership have been the cornerstone of our success, thank you for taking a chance on our school. Your partnership has been invaluable, and it is through our collaborative efforts and the support of the Parents and Friends Association that we have nurtured an environment where every child can thrive.
In closing, I wish the school and its staff and supporters all the very best for the future. Please remember, all we do is for the children, and they deserve the world.
Additionally - From TARA Stanford
I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and explain a little about the recent changes to our staffing structure at the Richard Gill School. I am excited to take on the role of Deputy Principal and guide our school through the transition and appointment of a new Principal. As an experienced Early Childhood and Primary School Educator, who has worked in the Muswellbrook and surrounding communities since 2016, I am very passionate about Positive Education and the vital role that wellbeing practices play in student and school success. With experience in curriculum support and implementation, I prioritise the mentorship and continual development of staff to ensure we maintain the high standard of education that is offered at the Richard Gill School.
Many of our community already know me through my role as Classroom Teacher and Wellbeing Coordinator and are familiar with my commitment to the success of my students. I am eager to work with students, staff and families throughout the year and thank the Richard Gill School and community for their continued support.
Thank you,
Tara Stanford (Deputy Principal)